686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a Trauma/PTSD can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, +23 more
Stress, Women’s Issues, Addiction, Life Transition, Relationships, +3 more

Hey, I'm Dominique—and I want to start off by acknowledging the courage it takes to reach out for help.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness, Compsych, Geisinger Health Plan, +10 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +11 more

Everyone has unique life experiences. I value individual perspectives and interpretations and look forward to hearing yours because I believe we can a... Everyone has unique life experiences. I value individual perspectives and interpretations and look forward to hearing yours because I believe we can all learn from each other. Read more

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Molly Maureen Alvord

Hear from Molly Maureen Alvord, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

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What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in PTSD/trauma therapy is to start where they are, meaning what prompted them to come to therapy, and discuss how it's affecting their daily functioning. My style is eclectic, so I prefer to adapt my methods to meet their needs, and this changes as therapy progresses. This allows for continued progress as the client's needs change. If they are in need of a specialized treatment that I do not provide, such as EMDR, I will help connect them to another provider for that treatment method.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

These are some of the tools or coping skills that I teach in trauma therapy:

  • Mindfulness: Techniques that increase your awareness and help you focus on being present in the moment and connecting you with your thoughts and feelings.
  • Grounding exercises: A part of mindfulness often used to cope with feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
  • Communication skills: Learning to express your thoughts and emotions appropriately to yourself and others; this includes listening skills.
  • Relaxation techniques: Used to reduce stress, anxiety, and other symptoms; can include self-care.
  • Problem-solving: Looking at your situation to identify what you can do for yourself instead of only seeing the problem.
  • Stress management techniques, including self-care.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress when they report successfully using skills that they learned in therapy. Anytime someone reports that therapy is helping them feel better, that is progress. When someone is able to incorporate new coping skills into daily life and see their own progress, that is meaningful. Even small positive changes to their perspective and behaviors will have a significant and meaningful impact on their life.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in trauma therapy by reading articles or books to increase their knowledge and understanding. I often make suggestions or send links to articles that are specific to their needs or concerns. If you find information on your own, it is always a good idea to ask your therapist to confirm that the information is accurate, especially for information found on social media or online videos.

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

To prepare for your first therapy session, you can make a list of questions and/or concerns, bring a list of any medications that you are taking (prescription, OTC, and supplements), have a list of prior mental health treatments with dates and names if possible, and most of all be kind to yourself and allow yourself to be open to the idea exploring your thoughts and emotions.

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy

What is PTSD/trauma therapy?

At Thriveworks, Trauma/PTSD therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

How does PTSD/trauma therapy work?

Our Thriveworks providers use Trauma/PTSD therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:

  • Flashbacks and distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Intense anxiety and irritability
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and thought patterns
  • Increased arousal, like difficulty concentrating or exaggerated startle response

How do you overcome PTSD triggers?

The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.

What type of therapist is best for PTSD?

In most cases, a therapist who specializes in Trauma/PTSD therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.

Is PTSD/trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

PTSD/trauma therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long should you go to therapy for PTSD?

If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.

How successful is therapy for PTSD?

The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual’s symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Pittsburgh therapists and counselors accept 32 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Ambetter from Pennsylvania Health and Wellness

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Geisinger Health Plan

  • Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Pittsburgh
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Therapy has been a self care item on my list for a very long time... I have been avoiding the work as self reflection and honesty about yourself can be very hard. Brenda makes this process so easy! I am very happy I found her and Thriveworks. I have been doing the work and she makes it easy and heartfelt as we process through things in my life. Thank you!
Read more Therapy has been a self care item on my list for a very long time... I have been avoiding the work as self reflection and honesty about yourself can be very hard. Brenda makes this process so easy! I am very happy I found her and Thriveworks. I have been doing the work and she makes it easy and heartfelt as we process through things in my life. Thank you!
Pamela Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Pittsburgh is near Wood Street and Fourth Street. Our office is near University Center, and across the street from Madarin Gourmet.

Phone number

(412) 668-1226

Languages spoken by PA providers

  • Russian
  • English
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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